In Media Res

Remember the phrase in media res from lit class?

It means 'in the middle of things.'

Strictly speaking it's a narrative technique that begins in the middle and uses flashback (often in stories embedded in the present told about the past). The alternative is to begin ab ovo (from the egg).

Strictly speaking most of us think that the best way to make a better life - just start over. A do-over is a kid's solution to a mistake (or a spoiled kid's way of demanding his way, or he'll take home his bat and ball). That is strictly speaking.

But strictly speaking, there is no strictly speaking when it comes to our lives.

We don't - we do not - get to start figuring out life ab ovo. No one.

We all start in media res.

And the sooner we stop looking for a do-over, the better we'll be today.